Greensboro reports FY 2627 budget action, 12.6¢ property tax-rate adjustment and service investments

The City of Greensboro reported that the City Council voted on the fiscal year 2627 budget, set to begin July 1, 2026, and announced a total property tax rate of $0.7985 per $100 of assessed value — a 12.6-cent adjustment.

"The increase will help address rising service delivery cost and support core city services," host Rosemary Plyen said on the FYI Weekly broadcast, linking the adjustment to funding priorities including public safety, parks and recreation, solid waste and recycling, road maintenance and water quality. The budget was described as being assessed against current property values rather than recent Guilford County re-evaluation values, citing the effect of state Senate Bill 889.

The broadcast said the budget includes funding for 30 additional police officers, expanded behavioral-health response-team coverage, investments in technology and public-safety equipment, and restored hours at lakes and recreation centers in response to community feedback. Officials also highlighted efforts to reduce internal costs through multi-year contract negotiations and operational efficiencies.

The city cited specific cost pressures in construction and utilities: asphalt costs have risen nearly 38% and stone materials about 66% over six years, while water-treatment chemicals have increased approximately 50% over four years. To respond, the budget includes an 11.4% increase in the water utility rate to fund water needs while maintaining a comparatively low rate structure within the state, the broadcast said.

City residents seeking full budget documents were directed to the city's official budget page.